Chien-Ming Wang continues to rehab in the minors

Wang pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out two batters and walked only one, a good sign given his struggles with command.

“He’s coming along great,” Johnson said. “He threw the heck out of the ball. His arm slot and everything is in better position. We’re pleased with how he’s doing.”

A strained right hip landed him on the disabled list the first week of July. He was also battling issues with command and his mechanics. Wang, 32, recently said his hip was feeling better, and he is using this time to improve his delivery.

Over his four recent rehab starts, Wang has nine earned runs over 23 innings, a 3.52 ERA, walking only one batter and striking out 13. Johnson said Wang will make one more start. The right-hander made his first rehab start on July 13 and his assignment lasts 30 days.

After that, the Nationals must decide what they will do with him, such as reinstate him, designate him for assignment or find a way to trade him. In his two seasons in Washington, Wang has made 16 rehab starts and only 15 starts in the majors. He may be insurace for when Stephen Strasburg is shut down later this season. But, for now, the Nationals’ rotation and bullpen are crowded.